Legal standing of ministers

One Spirit Interfaith Ministers come under the legal category of ‘non-conformist’, and as with all faith and belief communities other than the Church of England, are ordained and certified by our own self-governing community, operating independently of the state. Marriage ceremonies are the only aspect of ministry in which specific legal aspects apply.

In Scotland, Northern and Southern Ireland One Spirit ministers are recognised by the Registrar’s office as able to perform full legal wedding ceremonies.

In Scotland: One Spirit Interfaith Ministers are authorised to hold legal marriage ceremonies, including opposite sex marriage, same sex marriage and same sex civil partnerships. Ceremonies can be held in any appropriate place and at any time. Interfaith ministers from other parts of the UK can apply for temporary permission to hold a wedding in Scotland.

In Ireland: One Spirit Interfaith Ministers who are on the Register of Solemnisers a can perform a legal wedding including same-sex marriage. Ceremonies can take place on any day of the week and at an outside venue if the couple wishes (as long as the venue has an identifiable address and has public access). One Spirit Ministers resident in the UK who wish to marry a couple in Ireland can apply for temporary solemniser status which will usually be granted. One Spirit Ministers in Ireland cannot perform same-sex civil partnerships.

In England and Wales: a minister can perform a wedding blessing ceremony at any indoor or outdoor venue with no legal restrictions, and the couple will generally hold the legal element of the marriage at a registry office beforehand.

All our graduates adhere to a clear Code of Ethics and Registered Ministers are also required to hold professional indemnity insurance.